CHURCH OF SANTA CATALINA

This church was built in the XVI Century on the site where there had been a mosque dating from olden times.

Before the Mosque it is believed that a Roman Temple was once situated on this site.

The octagonal tower in the Mudeja style is similar to others in the Province of Malaga.

The carving of the Virgen del Rosario dating from the XVIII Century is a magnificent piece done by the Granadario school.

The Church is located in the Plaza de la Constitución, in the historic centre of the village.

ERMITA OF SAN CAYETANO

The "Ermita de San Cayetano" was probably built in the XVI Century and was perhaps set apart to enable Christians to practice their religion in Muslim times. It may also have been a dedication to some other saint.

The statute of San Cayetano which dates from the XVII century can be found inside the Ermita which is located beside the entrance to the Church of Santa Catalina.

ROUND CEMETERY

This is possibly the only round cemetery in Spain. Because of its unique style it is one of the most visited architectual monuments in the Axarquía with more than 3,000 visitors a year.

At the entrance of the cemetery is the "Interpretation Centre" which describes the history and origins of this construction.

To locate the Round Cemetery follow the signs placed throughout the village. To visit the Interpretation Centre ask for the key from the Tourist Office. The Interpretation Centre is generally kept locked for security reasons.

THE STREET OF "LA ALCUZA"

This street is one of the narrowest in the whole of the Axarquia. It is only 55cm at it's narrowest part and forms a funnel from which its name "ALCUZA" is derived from the Arabic.

This is one of several narrow streets which go off from the Plaza de la Constitution where the Tourist office and entrance doors to the church are to be found.

The surface of the street has been reconstructed with stones to give it more character.

You can feel the ambience of bygone times when passing this way.

LOOK OUT POINT OF THE ROUND CEMETERY

Built in 2002, this look-out point can be found on the edge of the village beside the road to Competa.

Views from this point offer visitors a splendid panorama of the surrounding villages and hills.

The Mirador is situated above the round cemetery and offers an open view of the Sierra Almijara, Corumbela, and Bentomiz. Views are also afforded of the villages of Archez and Canillas at the footshills of the Sierra Almijara. Below the look-out point is the round cemetery and slightly further away is the church of Santa Catalina.

FOUNTAIN OF CID

This fountain was the principal supply of drinking water in Arab times for the population on their way to their labours in the countryside.

Legend has it that El Cid Campeador was the man who drunk water from this fountain on one of his visit to the area.

Oil extracted from the olive trees near to this fountain were used to make candles which were burnt on the day of celebrations for the Patron Saint of Sayalonga, the Virgen de Rosario on the 7th of October each year.

ARAB MINARET OF CORUMBELA

This Minaret was built in the XIV Century and is similar to the minarets of Archez and Salares.

It is built in an African style although with less ornamental decoration than earlier examples. Nonetheless it is an monument of great beauty and in a perfect state of conservation following a restoration project a few years ago.

EMPLOYMENT AGENCY

GRANT AID IN JANUARY FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECTS

Up to 50% reimbursement of costs to help in modernising small and medium-sized businesses.
Up to 50% reimbursement of the costs to help modernise projects related to Andalusian craft .
Up to 50% for the formation of co-operatives involving commercial Andalusian firms.
Help with promotional material for commerce.

Ask for further details on any of these grant aids from the Town Hall during January.